Volkswagen won’t introduce a California camper version of its ID. Buzz electric van until 2025, so for now it’s a free-for-all for specialist conversion companies.
German-based Alpin Camper has showed off its latest creation based on the standard-wheelbase Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo at a caravan and motorhome show that’s running from January 14 to 22 in Stuttgart.
From what we can see in photos posted by the company on Facebook, this camper-converted ID. Buzz has a three-person bench seat up front with a custom rear compartment. There’s also a pop-up roof tent that allows people to stand up.
In the rear compartment there’s a bench seat that appears to convert into a bed, as well as a kitchenette equipped with a sink, induction cooktop, fridge, shelves, and storage areas.
Alpin Camper hasn’t mentioned any changes to its converted ID. Buzz’s electric powertrain or battery system. For now, the ID. Buzz is exclusively available with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque and a 77kWh battery pack.
This isn’t the first time a ID. Buzz has been converted to a camper by a specialist company, as German-based Ququq showed off its take at a different caravan show in September last year.
Ququq’s ID. Buzz camper conversion retained the pop-up roof tent, but had a larger fold-out bed and a sliding camp kitchen.
Volkswagen head of research and development Kai Gruenitz recently told Autocar the ID. Buzz California will go on sale globally from 2025.
It’s understood the ID. Buzz California camper will be based on the upcoming long-wheelbase version to take advantage of the extra space.
The existing, standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz is 4712mm long and rides on a 2989mm wheelbase, whereas the long-wheelbase version will have an extra 250mm between the wheels.
In addition, Mr Gruenitz confirmed to the British publication the upcoming, sporty ID. Buzz GTX will have a 250kW dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that’s more powerful than the 220kW setup in the ID. 4 GTX crossover.
It’ll also have a “dedicated interior, new exterior colours and some additional features”.
Regular ID. Buzz (left) and ID. Buzz Cargo (right)
Volkswagen is planning to introduce a second, less powerful all-wheel drive option without GTX branding in some overseas markets.
We’re not sure when, or if, these upcoming variants will be coming Down Under in the near term, but Volkswagen is hoping to have the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo in Australian showrooms from the middle of 2024.
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